Last Sunday I had a really fun day at the Celebrity Mua Masterclass in Manchester. The event was in association with Debenhams and hosted by Amy from Amy’s Makeup Box, who demonstrated two different makeup looks. Amy has a whopping 388k followers on Instagram and 406k YouTube subscribers! Contrary to what you might expect from someone with so many followers, Amy was so down-to-earth and friendly 🙂

The demo was very informal with lots of chatting about different products and techniques…

We were greeted with tea, coffee and muffins before settling down for the first demonstration – the bridal look. Despite being the more natural of the two makeup looks, this one actually took the longest. With such meticulous attention to detail, it’s easy to see why Amy has been so successful in her career as a makeup artist. The demo was very informal with lots of chatting about different products and techniques (I wish I’d written down the names of all the brushes she used!).

I picked up lots of really useful tips…and added so many products to my wish list!

One tip I do remember is that Amy uses brow pomade mixed with a little brush cleaner to prevent it drying out and going clumpy. She uses a super fine brush to achieve hair-like strokes for a natural effect. I picked up lots of really useful tips…and added so many products to my wish list! One technique that has always baffled me is contouring, so I was pleased that Amy did a little of this on her model (not too much though). I’m not a fan of the heavily contoured looks we’ve seen on the likes of Kim K, I just think it looks weird.

I’ve been doing my makeup more or less the same for years, so I thought it was about time to learn some new tips and tricks.

We tend to associate trends with fashion, but makeup trends come and go too. I’ve been doing my makeup more or less the same for years, so I thought it was about time to learn some new tips and tricks. Using a primer and applying foundation with a sponge is my starting point – great makeup starts with a good base, after all. Oh, and using setting spray (which I definitely need in this hot weather). I’m still not sure about wearing false lashes though – I’m just not very good at putting them on. I’d rather use a lash serum and a good mascara…unless someone else puts them on for me!

Above is the bridal look, which was looked absolutely flawless close up. Below is the “drama and sparkle” look, with big false lashes and glitter on the eyelids. Amy made the model’s lips defined but very natural, so as not to detract from the dark, smokey eyes.

During the break between demos afternoon tea was served, There were so many cakes…but I didn’t eat any because I’m pretty sure they weren’t vegan. In fairness, I didn’t tell anyone beforehand so I took my own snacks. I chatted over food and drinks with the lovely Jen who blogs at My Mummy’s Pennies. Before we left I had a good close up look at all of Amy’s makeup and tools. And of course I had to have a photo with our lovely host, although I was instantly regretting doing my own makeup in such a rush that morning!

The goody bag

The contents of the goody bags varied, but each included a full sized product from either Urban Decay or Benefit, as well as a £25 Debenhams gift card. I received the Urban Decay Sin Afterglow Highlighter palette, which I love! I also got three sets of false lashes (so I suppose I’d better get practising with them!), two brushes, a Benefit lipstick, hair mask sachet, glitter pots and a single eyeshadow (in green…yikes…I’ll save that for Halloween!). If you get chance to go to one of these events, I’d highly recommend it. You can keep up to date with new events on the CMM website and Facebook page.

Are there any makeup techniques you’ve struggled to master? Mine’s definitely the winged eyeliner…I really need help with that…any tips appreciated!